Top 10 Trade-offs of the Bayliner 4788 🛥 Motor Yacht vs Trawler

[@mannys4036]

No one can make cons as pleasurable as you guys! You made your boat so comfortable to your needs. That's what its all about. Just lovin your videos.

[@jrobbx]

I really enjoyed your tour and points. I have a 2001 4788 and have added an access hatch between the engines in the salon and also an access hatch on the port side of the port engine. I life changer! stand up to work on the engines.

[@Technomadia]

We had the center hatch modification done last summer... huge difference! We love it.

[@thomasleonard1398]

I have wanted to live in a boat for a long time. I’m so glad i found this channel i’m learning a lot from you folks. Thanks!

[@charlieodom9107]

5:23....I see what you did there! "Limiting"...so those curtains in the salon serve another purpose huh? Lol!!! I love you guys and your personalities!

[@wcarlhepker4806]

You guys are really smart to weigh the options and appreciate what you have. There are too many who want bigger and better and go deeper and deeper in debt to get it. Once they have it, they encounter the down side of bigger as well as bigger debt only to find out that selling a used item is not as lucrative as the cost to purchase, therefore they get themselves stuck. My RV is a model year 2000 but I did not buy it until May of 2001. Obviously, I have had it for a while. I love it. I love having no slides. I love that it is only twenty-seven feet long. I love the enhancements I have put into it. No, it is not for sale as some have asked. Learning to appreciate and enjoy what I have is a very rewarding character trait and is something that a lot of people seem to be missing today. I am glad to see that you two do very well in that category!! Keep setting a great example for the watching world!! CONGRATULATIONS

[@billsandlin9432]

I am a boater and have been following your video blogs for about a year. You are living my dream and hope to start the loop in a year or so.

[@staroceans8677]

You're both so relatable, genuine and create wonderful times. I think you have a wonderful life and plan/execute your decisions with great care. ALWAYS appreciate your sharing.

[@Technomadia]

Awww.. thanks for the super comment. Great way to start our day.

[@cdpmedia2011]

super impressed by your videos and your aptitude for managing everything (both being so savvy is such a value). These are truly helping me understand whats coming when I move to my mobile floating life - hopefully.

[@dongreco6886]

OMG !!! I used to follow "Gone With the Wynns" RV Channel and later discovered Sailing from them (as they now sail around the world)... I have been subscribed to you (for awhile) from RV days ... and now I see you into Power Yachts .... Funny, 2 channels went from RVs to Yachting

[@Technomadia]

When we first met Nikki & Jason while RVing, we bonded over our future aspirations for boating. They've now been at it 5 years, and us 4... but very different styles, for sure. And we own two RVs that we split our time between as well ;). We're just us.. Technomadia, doing our own thing.

[@user-id8ng9eq9h]

Nice boat and lifestyle, but man the engine room is tough to get past. Congrats on living your best life. Awesome

[@CFC4me]

Another great video. When shopping for a Loop boat, we looked at a few 4788s and have a good friend that owns one. Great boats, no doubt about it. At the time, we could not find one in good condition with low hours. We ended up buying a Navigator 42' Pilothouse and are very pleased with it. Keep posting the informative and entertaining videos. Thank you.

[@harveywallbanger3726]

I've worked in three Marina's on lake Michigan and I like Bayliner layout's and boats more then a Sea Ray in almost the whole line. The Best boat for the roundabout route is a 47 Choy Lee It's vary well built boat and tons of teak with sea going capabilities in all regards. And a larger engine room hight wize and One or two moters But Double the price of a Bayliner or Sea Ray. You are always going to have tight engine compartments in 50 or less boat in a pilot House style arrangement. You are Right Every boat is a compromise until you lay out your dream boat and print out a blueprint. 👍

[@johngafford1302]

Enjoy your videos. We had a Bayliner 28 in Maryland and Alabama. You are right about shortcomings of a mass produced boat.

[@Meandmy2Vs]

Thanks you two! It's good to see all the stuff you've done to your boat. ..and to hear the cons. love you two!

[@mrjlbarrett5556]

My wife and are kinda like you guys We bought a 1968 73 ft Pioneer it had been totally refitted we bought her in Seattle she had made several pacific crossings to Hawaii We own a 2017 Entegra Cornerstone Class A ourselves we keep it in Missout We have watched your videos off and on .

[@janisjoplin4647]

Love this video because I was seriously wondering what the downsides were...like you said, almost every boat has them. Thanks for sharing! You guys look so happy that no one can doubt this is the right lifestyle for you.

[@TheMcMillanExpress]

What we love about you guys is that you share all aspects of full time travel! Awesome video:-) ✊🏾

[@Technomadia]

Thanks... glad it's appreciated :)

[@Brandon-qr8zz]

Meridian yacht owners is another great resource!

[@robertpeterson6331]

Very nice and helpful review as I think about how to think about my upcoming purchase of a boat to live aboard and travel the loop

[@johnstroup9075]

Thank you for the informative video. As an engineer, I really enjoy the practical reviews. All designs have pros and cons and you have chosen a boat with a high cost/benefit that works great for you. I would find myself in the same boat (pun intended). Like you indicated, if you had another $500K to $1M to throw around for fun, a Nordhavn is beautiful. But even a Nordhavn has pros and cons like all designs. Cruise on!

[@barryness7953]

I'd pick 4788 bayliner over any other boat you made the right choice for the boating you guys do !!!!

[@Fran-uo1lj]

Love your videos! I have learned that I know less than half of what I think I know. My plan is to have our great loop boat within 10 years and being retired enough to do the loop in 15. Yeah Yeah, real far out, but living vicariously though you until we can execute our plans.

[@Technomadia]

Maybe we'll be done with our Loop in 15 years? :D Hah

[@billschroedel5249]

Hey guys. I really enjoy your videos. I'm not so sure I want to own and live on a boat but it's fun to watch you two and dream. Thank you.

[@Ralphinsc]

Just bought an express cruiser ourselves (Chaparral 276 Signature) with the goal of eventually getting her out on the loop and down to warmer waters. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@ironhorse3497]

Outstanding video !!!! I learned stuff... Thanks !!

[@MrDannyVeal]

Great video! I am so glad you shared the size of the engine room. Small or big engine room has it's advantages. If a boat owner has mobility issues they must consider the size of the space to service the engines. Also demonstrating why narrow side decks can have have pros and cons was a great area to cover. I must admit I did giggle a bit about the creative opportunities that you have in the master stateroom, you two do make me smile. Thank you for your videos! Keep up the good work.

[@wjboom1]

Danny Veal there is a modification to the salon floor that many owners do to overcome the engine room height by installing another hatch. In fact, in the final build years under the Meridian brand that modification became standard. I own a 2007 Meridian 490 (an upgraded 4788) and have no problems in accessing both sides of both engines as well as the aisle in between.

[@jimimcintosh7796]

I too can access my engines from the salon. I have a 4588. The boat is actually very well thought out. I can access 97% of the systems except fuel cells, black water tank or fresh tanks without removing bed. I love it all the way around... bow thrusters! Would be nice

[@mrderekholmberg]

Fantastic video. Thanks for sharing! After watching your adventure and experiences on your 4788, I'm considering that boat for my future liveabord as well (I currently have a 45' Bluewater). Someone on the Trawler Life Facebook page I follow asked about this same boat you have and if anyone knew anything about it. I shared this great video of yours with them.

[@TheSeaYallLife]

Great job comparing the two types of motor boats! We started out with a Bayliner five years ago (MUCH smaller than yours), and then moved up to a DeFever 44 trawler. There are definitely trade offs in owning both!

[@jeffjones4071]

Great vid!! You guys seem like a really cool couple.

[@56Spookdog]

Always thought of Bayliners as an entry level boat.

[@jimimcintosh7796]

I have a 4588 the last year defore the 4788. My engine room is massive. Our capt office has been converted to a big area with incorporated large closet. I also upgraded my controls to a ZF electronic setup. In reality these boats are the best for comfort, maintaining and cost. I too looked at a lot of different builds and settled with the 4588. Enjoy

[@carlechevarria2226]

You two are adorable. Thanks

[@troycurrie7784]

I couldn't help but notice you were giving the tour about 5 minutes from my house in Charleston SC.

[@Technomadia]

This one was actually filmed in Savannah.

[@troycurrie7784]

@@Technomadia, I watched your Charleston visit next. Some of the bridges and the marinas are similar between the two cities...but there is no mistaking the marina at the aquarium. I was raised about 20 minutes from there.

[@troycurrie7784]

Do you ever go fishing off the boat?

[@julieplant444]

Such a wonderful life! Great tour and interesting coverage of the goods and bads of your boat living experience. The ability to go from boat to motorhome would keep it interesting and diverse. A very good idea. You look very happy - congratulations! Beautiful boat. 🛥🛥⛴🌞😎🤗

[@sandygalbraith49]

Enjoy your videos a lot and I was gonna ask the question you answered at the end...so you made a good choice right off the bat!! I wonder how many other people can say that after 2.5 years of owning their boat.

[@user-ej5ky1hj6r]

You guys are so crazy! Love the travato. Boat is pretty darn sweet as well.

[@LisaMarli]

Y-not is a lovely boat. Luckily the downsides are few and far between. That salon is worth it. May she give you many years of enjoyable service.

[@Midlife_Crisis_]

The difference in engine room space between something like the bay liner and something like a Nordhavn 40 which has a great standup engine room is amazing!

[@Technomadia]

We get envious every time we visit other engine rooms.

[@stevegilliland9414]

Had a 4387 aft cabin Bayliner and loved it but sold 4 years ago and bought a 36' Motor Home and are really enjoy the RV Life.

[@Last-Varangian]

Please do a vid talking about all the other boats you have seen that you liked as well, like Cherie was talking about in this vid at number 6. We haven't bought yet and are still considering different ideas. We plan to do off shore as well as the loop. Thanks guys!

[@Technomadia]

Check out some of our first boat shopping videos - we included some models we looked at.

[@06291960able]

That is a really good looking boat with a superior layout!!

[@mikeperth8027]

Great video, I really enjoyed it. Thanks from Western Australia. I have a 2013 Beneteau -Oceanis.

[@WillFastie]

Excellent video, great analysis.

[@steveosgood9349]

Thanks for the honest update. I have been eyeing the 4788 for a while and really appreciate the pros, so it is good to hear the other side too. The pilot house with doors on both sides is an attractive feature for me. We bought a 42 foot aft cabin Cooper Prowler with the sundeck and love it. Although it too has trade-offs. Thanks!

[@Technomadia]

Everything has trade-offs, for sure! Happy cruising..

[@rwhealthy]

I like this video. I am always curious why people give thumbs down, there are 33 thumbs down. I think there should be a rule, if you do a thumbs down, you have to comment why.

[@Technomadia]

Oh.. we'd much rather KZbin did away with thumbs down and they just clicked away. I really don't want to deal with critical comments :D

[@rwhealthy]

@@Technomadia I agree, I did not think of it that way

[@LuckyDawgProductionsModerator]

Good info. Thanks for sharing the good and the not so good about your boat with us. Safe travels.

[@mikeskinner2504]

I look forward to your excellent videos. Like you, we have a cruising boat (a downeast style Robinhood. 33 with a Flybridge) and a class B RV (a Winnebago Era 170). We don’t do either full-time, as we love our home on the Maine coast too much. Nevertheless, your video logs are inspiring and instructive. Well done!

[@kayakerjack]

very informative. you brought up some good points. thanks for sharing.

[@CaptnButch]

That was really a great video

[@fixallman77808]

Sounds alot like buying an RV. Gonna have to work with a few missing items. But it's all worth it for the freedom to see this Hreat country and even the world Thanks for sharing. Love the vids. Not going to e owning this type of boat but I am always interested in types of travel aid. Like boats and planes. Thanks VERY MUCH for all you do.

[@markdimaio8396]

I remember reading a review on this boat awhile back. The author wrote that Bayliner Motor Yachts used cedar in the wood stringers. Not too shabby I say

[@wjboom1]

mark dimaio Bayliner’s Motoryacht series were built in a different plant from their runabouts and had a lot more quality built in. I have owned their 28’ Contessa, the 3218MY, the 3888MY, and now live aboard a Meridian 490PH and have been pleased by all of them. Many of the downsides they mentioned were addressed when Brunswick rebranded the 4788 as the Meridian 490PH, of course the price went up accordingly.

[@markdimaio8396]

@@wjboom1 that's correct

[@rvdogfl]

The engines are the best part of the boat. Twin 6 Cummins I am in love. The funny thing is the guy with the fancy yacht behind you is doing the same thing you are doing. You are most like enjoying life on the water more then the guy behind you.

[@jimimcintosh7796]

I have twin 250 turbo Hino's that just won't quit. But I would have like the Cummins. More choices of aftermarket power

[@maljones2542]

Awesome video guys.... I would agree with all 10 :)

[@MrStewPedaso]

Some really good info. Glad you shared

[@brucefay5126]

Really nice presentation. Thanks.

[@jjaus]

Interesting, particularly regarding the windows. It's what I long suspected. Whenever I watch videos and tests of new motor yachts, they're always wittering on about the huge windows and views. Whenever you see videos or pics of second hand yachts, you see all the blinds, shades etc. For me, not being able to stand up in the engine room and bedroom would be a dealbreaker.

[@Technomadia]

We do thankfully get to enjoy open views most of the time.. the exterior screens help a lot.

[@seanwalsh999]

Thanks for the tour and update. I Thought that you were going to cut access panels in the salon floor to the engine room, still on the list.

[@Technomadia]

Still on the list... it'll be part of a major remodel of the boat, we're sure.

[@wjboom1]

Technomadia you guys helped me decide on this model as my live aboard boat. I ended up buying a 2007 Meridian 490 which addressed several of your downsides, the center hatch being one of them. You will be pleased when you finally install the center hatch. With all hatches removed I actually find engine access better than in many engine rooms where you can partially stand up. I bought my boat in the Florida Keys this spring and have driven it up to the Kentucky Lakes where I’m still waiting to get it the rest of the way to home port in a Rock Island, IL due to continued flooding on the Mississippi River.

[@shuckan]

Great video!!! Now I want one!

[@lostchild2003]

Really good job on this video guys. Very well thought out and informative. The question that comes to mind after watching your assessment video is if Bayliner would approve / agree?

[@Technomadia]

Bayliner hasn't produced this line of boat in over a decade ... doubt they even care :)

[@mandmmilling3716]

A very common modification to the 4788 engine room is to add hatchs that open inside to salon. There are several videos on it

[@Technomadia]

We've done the mod since :)

[@mandmmilling3716]

@@Technomadia Because of your video, I just made an offer on a Bayliner 4550. We sea trial next week. I went this route for the more fuel-efficient Hino diesels. Most of the issues you pointed out in your video have already been addressed on this vessel. Watermaker, 2 extra fuel tanks, engine hatch, est. It was easier to set all the Bayliner's apart after knowing the tradeoffs. Thanks for making the video.

[@pmlugo3599]

I really like your video's. I can't get out but enjoy watching you all :) and learn something also great video :)

[@chokedup53]

thanks for sharing your insights.

[@stephenfleming7918]

Thanks, nice informative video. My wife and I are in the process of looking for a boat. We plan on cruising from New York and out into the Caribbean. Our problem is that we’re limited to around 250,000.

[@Technomadia]

You should have lots of options in that price range!

[@sandiegowildcat]

Many options and I am biased as an owner but the Nordic Tugs are great boats and easily under your budget. Very seaworthy as well. Add a Seakeeper stabilizer if you want increased stability on the ocean.

[@annieoakley5075]

Glad you gave both up and downsides. 👍

[@MrBryanfowler]

Hi Bet Midler's twin sister, love your boat.

[@kevinwilson2790]

Great Video!

[@stevencraig349]

Nice update. Were on the hunt for a boat...and you've really shown a light on your craft. Per the engine room. I thought you were going to put in that access panel...How come you haven't?

[@Technomadia]

Haven't found a carpenter with the right tools..and the mod is best done when replacing carpeting. Which we just haven't had time to approach yet.

[@hoffmang]

@@Technomadia We had it on our 4788 and it was such an improvement. Once you do it you'll only dislike working on the outboard sides of the motors.

[@chriscastelsky1349]

Just discovered your channel and it's GREAT!! A question for you ... prior to becoming liveaboarders, what experience did you have operating, navigating and maintaining a boat? Did you take courses to prepare for your adventure? Thanks!

[@Technomadia]

Prior to this, we had just owned a inflatable kayak. Check some of our older boating content as we ramped up - we shared our training process. Even did an interview with one of our training captains.

[@chriscastelsky1349]

@@Technomadia Sweet ... will explore your channel. Thanks!

[@baddazzgarage2953]

Bayliner Bett🤣😀😁 ! Do you get the joke?? Does she sing wind beneath my wings when your going fast on the plane?? love it guys my dream is to one day own a vessel ! My chances depend on tattslotto but its still a chance even though its a tiny one! You should of called the boat THE ROSE!! 🤣😁 keep living the life!! ⚓🛥

[@mikenewton9135]

Hard to believe it’s been almost 2 1/2 years since you bought her!

[@Technomadia]

Crazy how fast time flies..

[@carriejones4772]

Have 3 years till we can join you. Love y’all videos. My question is... has the kitty ever dove or fallen overboard because I have 2 kitties and one of them is just too curious. I’m nervous just thinking about it.

[@Technomadia]

Yup... she fell off once. In alligator infested waters no less. Was super scary.

[@carriejones4772]

@@Technomadia oh my. I'd jump in like a wild maniac and get clawed by kitty and eaten by gator. That's inspiring!. Hubby said he saw last night while online shopping a boat for sale with yall name? You selling?

[@raymondmills9377]

A displacement trawler powered by a single diesel sips the fuel and is built for heavy water is my dream boat.

[@Technomadia]

If we were planning on crossing blue water - we’d be dreaming about one too. There is a gorgeous Selene at this marina that is very lust-worthy.

[@sailinstyle]

@@Technomadia Selene is just trying to compete with Nordhavn, which sets the bar that everyone else tries to match.

[@Technomadia]

There is a very nice Nordhaven docked right behind us.

[@sailinstyle]

I know! I spotted that the instant it appeared in the background! Where are you guys at the moment? The marina looks familiar. What's the name of that Nordie behind you?

[@alaskanchannel2751]

Any issues with windows leaking..

[@Technomadia]

Nope

[@rightright6582]

Did u consider a Trawler? if so which one?

[@Technomadia]

We have a video on our shopping for a boat.

[@henna696]

So when are you getting a sea going boat to sail the high seas?😊❤

[@Technomadia]

No intentions at present time.

[@wheninrome42]

green cove springs represent! ;)

[@Prototheria]

A question just occurred to me as I'm watching this for the third time... I'm assuming this is your first boat? How did you get insurance and who did you get it through? I have decades of boating experience with my family and have taken the USCG Boating Skills and Seamanship course, but BoatUS told me that they wouldn't insure me in a 40- 45 footer as my first boat due to the size and my lack of ownership experience. Or did your RV ownership experience count in your favor in the eyes of their adjuster?

[@Technomadia]

It was difficult but we worked with a MTOA partnered agent to find us a suitable policy.

[@Prototheria]

@@Technomadia Thanks for the reply! Did they require you to complete any training or spend time with or get signed off by a captain?

[@Technomadia]

Nope. Wish they had.

[@jimimcintosh7796]

Lol Geico rolled our 4588 into our policy with no questions

[@magaisacult2023]

The "side rails" would be a deal breaker for me, I wish they shrink the main cabin 4-5 ft and add walkways.

[@Technomadia]

Oh gosh.. taking away that much width would negate the awesome salon we love so much.

[@wjboom1]

William Cronin you don’t need them as you can move from the bow, flybridge, or pilothouse from inside the boat.

[@salthom7247]

No infro on cooking with your kitchen?

[@Technomadia]

We love our kitchen - definitely not a trade-off. Catch one of our live cooking shows sometime.

[@bobbates6642]

I think you would have been better off going to the east or west coast of Canada and buying a former fishing boat that has been converted into a cruiser. Perhaps learning to sail would be right for you. I cruised the Great Lakes years ago on a smaller bayliner and it was OK cost a fortune even back then for fuel . We were splitting the cost of fuel 3 ways but still it was expensive gas engine. Always going top speed. I said to the owner why didn't you but a sail boat. He said in the time we had we would not have seen all the Great Lakes . He was right but still we would have had more room and I think fun

[@Technomadia]

For our Great Loop cruising goals, a sailboat is not a practical option since you would need to leave the mast behind.

[@deuceaid6868]

Cool

[@marcbloch1963]

Nordhavn trawlers - way to go

[@foreverfixin]

I am looking at a 4285 Bayliner sun deck I lake the layout

[@lincolngrayson1013]

I hoping you show just peak of the norhaven , prove how impractical they are for the money it cost. Right???

[@stevehurst7526]

Hey guys! the 4788 might have a few draw backs like any boat BUT Look how seaworthy it is, AND better yet look how HURRICANE worthy it is!!!!!!!!

[@Technomadia]

She definitely is a storm trooper!

[@nute923]

Forgive my ignorance but why is the bed so high in the master stateroom? Anything beside storage under there?

[@Technomadia]

Yes.. the fresh water, bow thruster and chain locker.

[@Technomadia]

Also - the front edge of boats tends to slope upward to cut through the water.

[@Technomadia]

Also, any lower and there wouldn't be room for a queen size bed (the hull narrows towards the waterline).

[@nute923]

@@Technomadia Thanks, makes sense. I didn't know the freshwater tank was under there.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Other rooms. LOL!

[@kevbjork1]

i have a 36' Prairie coastal cruiser and my engine space can be accessed via a small door like yours or via openings in the floor of the salon which gives me great access and all the headroom I could want. (I'm 6'3") I still have to do boat yoga to access the generator and other equipment. LOL. Maybe you could modify your boat with engine hatches too. It would be nice long term. Thanks for sharing.

[@Technomadia]

We do have hatches over the engines themselves.. we still need to do the modification to create a catch over the aisle way between them. That would improve things greatly.

[@Wanderns]

You should think about have a trawler

[@Technomadia]

That's what we started shopping for. Happy with what we ended up with.

[@magaisacult2023]

Bottom line, you buy what you can afford, or want to spend, and you get what you pay for. One upside they didn't mention, a new Bayliner will sell for 1/2 it's of it's original cost is 10 years, a higher end at twice the price will roughly do the same...someone lost a LOT more money in the end.

[@Technomadia]

For sure.. ours is now 20 years old and still worth about 1/2 the original price (and still valued at about what we paid for it 2 years ago.)

[@jimimcintosh7796]

Our 30yr old 4588 is still surveyed at 130k. We bought it for 60k from a stressed owner

[@ackack612]

.....ah, it's not a "Nord-hayven." Some of the 'issues' you raise are rather inane....you did buy the boat, after all.

[@Technomadia]

Exactly the point :)

[@bretranalli4012]

Sounds like you purchased a boat that really doesn’t fit your needs.

[@Technomadia]

Every boat has tradeoffs - as we explained in the video, ours fits our needs wonderfully overall.

[@Technomadia]

It fits our needs extremely well (as we disclosed twice)... just because we're answering a frequent question about the compromises doesn't imply otherwise.